Brussels Airport has long been known for its lengthy waiting times, especially at border control, impacting international travelers. The airport’s reputation as a gateway to Belgium has suffered, with reports of passengers queuing for hours. On 2025-05-10 22:53:00, Minister Bernard Quintin highlighted the urgency of addressing these delays during a visit to Zaventem.
- Zaventem airport faces Europe's longest wait times
- Major issues at border control for intercontinental flights
- Minister demands quick improvements before high season
- Police understaffing causes prolonged passenger delays
- Frontex agents to support border control efforts
- Federal police implement special summer staffing plan
The most significant bottlenecks currently occur at border control for incoming flights from America, Africa, and Asia. These delays not only frustrate passengers but also harm Belgium’s image as a travel destination. How can Brussels Airport regain its efficiency and improve the traveler experience before the busy summer season?
With the high season approaching, swift action is needed to reduce wait times and enhance border control capacity. Let’s delve into the measures being considered and the challenges faced by airport police.
Why are wait times so long, and what can be done? The root causes include chronic understaffing and uneven distribution of flights. Key points include:
- Only 423 of the 533 planned police officers are currently active at the airport.
- Shifts are often staffed below minimum levels, causing delays of up to five hours.
- Frontex agents will assist, and flight schedules may be adjusted to ease peak pressures.
- A special summer plan aims to deploy additional officers to manage peak times better.
As the summer travel season looms, will the planned measures be enough to prevent further delays? Continued investment and better resource allocation are essential to restore smooth operations. Travelers and stakeholders alike should watch closely as these changes unfold.
